It’s the £42million question. Just how do Arsenal extract the best from Mesut Ozil? Even the club’s second largest shareholder, Alisher Usmanov, has had his say on the issue.
‘What was my view on Mesut’s display against Bayern Munich? Less than capacity, maybe he was tired,’ said the billionaire.
Fatigue could certainly be a factor as to why the Germany playmaker has been in indifferent form in recent weeks following his club record arrival from Real Madrid in August.
If fit, invariably Ozil plays. He has been involved in 38 games for club and country already this season.
The Gunners’ medical team are keeping close tabs on his fitness levels to ensure their prized-asset is not run into the ground. But while leg weariness offers a logical reason as to why Ozil has flattered to deceive; the brutal week-to-week demands of English football offers another.
Ozil’s body has been battered this season, too often targeted for rough treatment by uncompromising defenders — a tactic he has not been used to coping with.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted earlier this month that Ozil has been placed on a weight training programme to increase his upper body strength. With a season under his belt and more strength sessions in the gym, the real Ozil may emerge in time for the start of next season.
Arsenal, however, need him to turn up right now. He was visibly shaken by his vital penalty miss during Wednesday’s Champions League loss to Bayern. And it was no surprise to see Mathieu Flamini snap at Ozil over his half-hearted attempt at tracking back midway through the second half.
Jack Wilshere and Per Mertesacker also had cross words with the talented playmaker during the loss at the Emirates Stadium.
It is an issue that has been bubbling away for some time, with those at the club’s training ground understood to feel that Ozil should contribute more defensively during matches.
Only time will tell how he reacts to his team-mates publicly rounding on him on Wednesday night.
